Pennsylvania Disaster Aid Tops $16 Million
Release Date: October 18, 1999
Release Number: 1289-20
» More Information on Pennsylvania Severe Storms and Flooding
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Federal and state emergency agencies have approved more than $16 million in disaster aid for residents of the 15 Pennsylvania counties that have been declared federal disaster areas for severe storms and flooding since Sept. 1.
On Sept.1, President Clinton declared McKean County a disaster area for severe storms and floods which took place on Aug. 20 and 21. Juniata County was added on Sept. 17.
Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties were declared on Sept.18, for Hurricane Floyd damage. Berks County was added on Oct. 13.
On Sept. 22, Lycoming, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties were declared for Labor Day weekend floods. Dauphin County was added on Sept. 27.
Since the first presidential disaster declaration 13,747 individuals, families and businesses have applied for a number of disaster-aid programs by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free registration number 1-800-462-9029. The TTY number for the speech or hearing impaired is 1-800-462-7585.
As of Oct. 18:
- FEMA has approved $9,634,491 in Disaster Housing Assistance to 11,266 applicants for alternate rental housing and to make damaged homes safe, sanitary and secure.
- The Individual and Family Grant Program (IFG) has approved grants totaling $595,013 for disaster victims to meet serious needs such as medical and dental expenses and to repair and replace real and personal property not covered by insurance or other disaster-assistance programs. The IFG program is administered by the state.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $6,140,100 in low-interest loans to qualified applicants to repair homes and replace damaged personal property and to businesses to repair and replace damaged structures, inventory and equipment.
- FEMA inspectors are currently in the field inspecting damage to homes. More than 10,000 inspections have been completed to date.
"Although more than 13,000 people have applied for aid, we believe there may be more people out there who need our help," said Jack Schuback, federal coordinating officer for these disasters. "We encourage any one who has damage from these floods to call FEMA's toll-free registration number and apply for aid."
Last Modified: Friday, 12-Dec-2003 09:46:07